DR JAGWINDER SINGH JODHA’S MESSAGE TO NOT BURN PADDY STUBBLE WELL RECEIVED BY FARMERS

PENNED BY DR JODHA, THE SONG “SAARI NA PARALI VEERA, SAARI NA PARAALI” HAS BEEN AN INSTANT HIT AMONGST FARMERS Ludhiana, September 10, 2018: For educating the farmers about the ill effects of paddy stubble/straw burning on our environment, an Assistant Professor of Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana Dr Jagwinder Singh Jodha has found a novel way to spread this message. His song titled “Saari Na Paraali Veera, Saari Na Paraali” (don’t burn paddy straw brother, don’t burn it) has been well received by the farmers and ever since it was launched, it has been an instant hit. Not only this, but even a large number of people have shared it on Facebook and other social networking websites where majority of them have been getting positive feedback. Dr Jodha said that for checking burning of paddy straw/stubble, the Punjab government is providing subsidy on farm machinery/implements to the farmers, so it also becomes our duty to educate the farmers in our own way. Editor of PAU farm magazine “Changi Kheti”, Dr Jodha informed that this year, the Punjab government has decided that theme of all Kisan Mela’s would be educating the farmers about the ill effects of paddy stubble/straw burning. He said that with his song “Saari Na Paraali Veera…” he has tried to give a message of saving the entire humanity. He said that when a farmer burns paddy straw/stubble, he not only burns the farm residue, but several birds and trees/plants are also affected. He said that his song covers all aspects like several insects that are good for farming also die in fire etc. He informed that the theme of this year’s Kisan Mela to be organised by the Punjab Agricultural University is “Aao Dharti May Bachaiey, Parali Nu Agg Na Layiey” (Let us all save our mother earth by not burning paddy straw”. Dr Jodha said that specially designed farm literature on this topic would also be distributed amongst farmers during the Kisan Mela and the farmers would also be educated about the details of subsidy being given by the Punjab government. The Agriculture Department officials informed that the Congress-led Punjab government is providing subsidy from 50%-80% on farm machinery that helps in checking burning of paddy straw/stubble. They informed that the subsidy is being provided on farm machinery such as happy seeder, paddy straw chopper/cutter, multure, RMB plough, shrub cutter, zero till drill, super straw management system on combines, rotary slasher and rotavator etc.